iPad

Our twice yearly trip to the Boise Library! Book Sale was a success. Our students saw and purchased many wonderful hard and paperback books. You could fill a bag for $9!
We always find something good to read...
A student once brought in an electronic "pad" on which were downloaded some classic books. I watched as he "turned" the pages tapping the screen with a stylus. We had the same book (Hemingway) in our library, but he read it on his liquid screen. I don't think that he ever finished the story.
Technology is here and must be embraced. However, as a teacher I must impart values to my students as well as knowledge. I want them to value books. I want them to feel the heft of the paper. I want them to smell the ink and dust. I want them to touch the pages. I want them to feel pride in ownership of a book that had an effect on them.

"We should only read books that wound or stab us."

Off the touristy main street in Santa Barbara was a non-descript run down store front. The half-hung sign that twisted in the breeze outside said, "Wilson's Books." No store hours were posted, the door locked, and through the dusty window I saw stacks of books and overstuffed shelves precariously close to each other.
Many times I walked by and I wondered if "Wilson" even existed- the store was never open.
I stopped taking the detour to visit the closed store for a long time. Then one afternoon I looked down the alley and the door was open! I entered and the musty smell and maze of stacked books were a stark contrast from the bight colors and neat rows of merchandise in nearby boutiques.
A croaky "Hello" startled me and I turned to see Wilson seated in a rocking chair reading a book. My first thought was "Mark Twain!" He had on a sweater with leather patches on the elbows, a shock of white hair, and was holding an unlit pipe. "Let me know if I can help you find something," he said barely taking his eyes off the page of his book.
Stepping over stacks of books (did the fire department know of this?) I discerned somesort of organization based on themes (Dewey's system was no where to be found), and soon I was in the "adventure" section...

Santa Barbara, California.

Many years ago I taught at a private school in La Canada, Ca. I had a student, Steven, from a family with money, yet he dressed acted like a ganster wannabe. I could not understand that his father (an NBC executive) and his mother (a lawyer) allowed this young man to dress and act the way that he did. He said that he would "cap" anyone who got in his way (?). I don't thinkthat he ever fired or owned a gun...

Perhaps he had the servants fooled, but not me. Once he was arrested for shoplifting packs of gum from a convenience store and he had $90 in his wallet! He wanted to be "tough," but I saw through his facade.

Alas, as my student, he admired my Mustang GT 5-speed, 5 litre rocket car.

One day after school, he was admiring the car and I asked if he wanted to go for a ride. Of course he said, "Yes!" and we were soon on the 210 freeway hitting 80 mph. After 30 minutes we were in a bad part of town- a place I would not want to be anytime.

As it was hot, I suggested that we get a Coke. I pulled up in front of a small mom-and-pop store and we got out. I opened the door to the store and let him walk in. I got back in the car with the intent to drive a couple blocks down and turn around, but the neighborhood got worse so I hopped on the freeway to the next exit to turn around and return to the store.

Standing in front of the store was Steven- clad in the huge hockey shirt, dangling "gold" chains, and his pants around his thighs. His eyes were wide as he asked where I had gone. I said, "It's cool, why don't you go over there and hang out with the "locals." At the corner were some tough young men eyeing Steven, me and the car. We were in a "gangsta" area and Steven was VERY uncomfortable (so was I)...

Maybe posing as someone you are not can be dangerous? We left quickly and he was silent on the ride back to the school.

It was weeks before he would talk about the "drive" or even consider riding in the car again (he did love the acceleration!). I asked him if he wanted to go for a ride again, and he looked at me with trepidation. I told him we'd head to the beach (1.5) hours. He finally agreed and on a Friday after school we drove to Santa Barbara. After blazing up the 101 freeway along the coast, we drove down Cabrillo Boulevard. Here were bistros, shops, nice cars, CLEAN streets, and the hustle-bustle of people working and shopping.

On the beach girls tanned and people played volleyball in the clean ocean air as the boats slipped in and out of the marina. On State Street, we passed a man sitting outside at the cafe, working on his laptop. The gleam from his dress shoes matched the gleam from his Porsche parked in the street. I commented to Steve, "What do you think he does?" Steven didn't know, and neither did I, BUT! we both agreed that he had a pretty cool lifestyle to be sipping a latte on a Friday afternoon in the sun at a cafe...

I told Steven that he had the opportunity to do whatever he wanted with his life. I shared that he acts/thinks/desires to be a gangster wannabe and that that is fine, but did he want the lifestyle that we had seen 6 weeks ago? Or did he want what we experinced in Santa Barbara? (I also mentioned that Playboy magazine has found more playmates in Santa Barbara than any other city- you gotta hit the kid's interests!).

He has the financial support to go to college and do something with an education, and I hoped for the best for him.

I left the private school in 1993- he was 16. I wonder what he decided to do?

Teachers open the door to education, but the students have to walk through...

International Students

We have a new student from Thailand! Jirayus has never seen snow, so his host family tok him to the mountains so he could play!

He is doing well at Sheridan and enjoys speaking Thai with another student, May.

His first day here I asked him if he played basketball. He said, "a little."

Well! THAT was not true! He gives Anthony and Meagan great competition and Jirayus is an excellent basketball player!!

Duty, Honor, Country

One of our many field trips to Gowen Field to tour the Idaho National Guard.

As the son of a Navy experimental test pilot, I am familiar with the protocol and expectations when on a military base. For some of our students, this is a new world.

To see a Master Sergeant standing at parade rest (and a BIG guy too!) was impressive as we walked into the tank traning facility. A place for everything, and everything in its place. No trash, everything clean and ready if you need it. We clamored through tanks, held machine guns, and learned that a tank was serious business.

Next was the flight line. Standing in a cold wind, we learned about the A-10 Warthog and how tough it is. If the F-35 comes to Gowen Field, then the A-10s will go to another base.

Each student sat in a $3,000,000.00 flight simulator and attempted to fly and shoor some targets. Interesting that my X-Box students did well...

We thank the Guardsmen and women for takign time to teach us about what they do, and why they do it.

Our Fundraiser was a hit! What amazing musicians who performed for our school! I have listened to Rosalie's CDs for years, but seeing her in concert was very impressive- a true performer. Ben Burdick and Bill Liles accompanied her (I have heard these guys many times at local venues, awesome!), and of course Gayle Chapman always does a fantastic job singing and playing.

The silent auction was great- many thanks to local businesses and individuals who donated items.

The wonderful crowd warmed my heart- there are so many people who support Sheridan and it was uplifting to see this support in one evening.

Kudos to Ha'Penny Bridge Pub for their excellent service and for owner Dale for allowing us to hold the concert there.

Finally, I am in awe of the work done by our Borad of Directors. These people were charged with a task and stepped up to the challenge! THANK YOU!

(I think we should do this again this Fall!)

കന്സിര്റ്റ് Fundraiser

Please join us this Thursday, February 18th from 6-9pm at the Ha'Penny Pub in BoDo, Boise for a concert fundraiser.

Two-time Grammy Nominee Rosalie Sorrels along with Gayle Chapman, Ben Burdick, and Bill Liles will perform.

There will be a silent auction.
Tickets are $15.

Please come join us for wonderful music and show your support for a music program at Sheridan Academy!

Cuts in Education

Yes, our economy is tight, but cutting money from schools seems too harsh. Without an educated populace how are we to compete in a global economy? BSU has dissolved its International Studies Program? What are they thinking? Idaho spends ~$7500 per pupil per year (public schools) this puts us near the bottom of 50 states. I agree that money does not equate to a quality education (obviously, look what we do at Sheridan with minimum funds), but there has to be a respect and investment in the education of our youth. Thanks goodness the J. A. & Kathyrn Albertson Foundation has stepped in and provided for some higher education (College of Western Idaho) and an advertising campaign to educate Idahoans that you must have some schooling after high school to earn a decent wage and contribute to this great state.
No, we should not raise taxes- but can we cut reduce funding from other areas and enhance the educaton of youth in Idaho?

J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation

We received recently a grant from the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation for $25,000
These funds will allow us to continue to provide quality education for Treasure Valley youth.
We support the Foundation's campaign of "Go On" after high school and we prepare our students for success at universities and colleges.
Many thanks to the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation for their recognition and support of our school!

$12.00 per hour...

Every year our students do an exercise on living in Boise. They gather information related to cost of living: rent for a reasonable apartment, car insurance, food, utlities, car payment, etc.
Once an average has been computed we divide by a 40 hour work week. Without skiing at Bogus, shopping at the mall, eating out, MAYBE a cell-phone, and NO cable TV the amount last year (gross, hourly) is $12.00.
This exercise allows the students to see that without skills/education, their opportunities to earn a decent living are diminished.
This reality check stems from years of listening to teenagers tell me that after high school they will have a nice car, ski at Brundage, etc.
I am not a pessimist, but a realist. I WANT my students to have the things that they desire- I get frustrated when they cannot follow simple rules at Sheridan (no gum chewing, wear the school uniform correctly, for example) and they see themselves at some amazing job earning huge dollars.
If they cannot write a simple paragraph or follow simple instructions how will they comply with rules/demands of a high-paying job?
As you can see, I am frustrated...

What College is Best for Me?

I am often asked about college choice. I encourage my students to apply to many colleges and then they can pick the one that will be most suited for them (at this time).
Those students seeking business education should look for business school; medical education, medical schools, etc.
Nonetheless, one point that I adamantly make is the regardless of the university choice, the student's attitude and work ethic will make or break their education.
For example, if a freshman at Harvard sits in his dorm room playing video games and not attending class expects a "quality" education, he is wrong. On the other hand, if a student attends a state university, goes to every class, devourers his textbooks, joins clubs and gets everything possible out of the university's offerings, then that will be the most valuable education.
We teach a work ethic at Sheridan that we hope will stay with our students through college and work.

Student Growth

Although they will grow 4+ inches in a year, I don't notice that too much.
What I noticed today was intellectual growth.
Student "X" usually gives a cursory reading of a literature story just to get the slight idea of what the story means. The presentation "X" usually gives is dull, shallow and shows no higher order thinking.
Today we had growth. Perhaps it was the plot, tone, or setting, but the student gave a wonderful presentation. The student was excited to share with us what happened in the story and why the author wrote it.
I get surprised often with my students- I did not expect this from this student for a while...
I'm pleased!

School Vouchers

The United States has more consumer choice than any other country. We can choose our foods, clothes, cars, homes, communities.
However, school choice is still not available for K-12 children.
A voucher system would allow parents to patronize the school of their choice. In our free market economy parents and students could select the school that best fits their needs. Idaho allows for school choice within districts, but there is no recognition of private school choice.
Currently Idaho spends approimately $6,500 per pupil per year (lowest: Utah, $5,100, highest: Distric of Columbia, $13,200). Parents should be allowed to use that tax money for the school of their choice- public or private. Private schools should be accredited to receive a voucher. Religious schools will qualify as the Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that government aid (voucher) goes to the parent who use it at their discretion.
Magnet and charter schools serve a certain type of student and it is ridiculous to think that one school district can serve the needs of all the students residing in that district.

Thank God for peers...

Last night I had the opportunity to discuss teaching with another educator whom I know only casually. It felt good to hear ideas and concerns similar and new to mine.

For eight years I have been lucky to have Mrs. Sirani at Sheridan to hear (privately, of course) my frustrations and concerns about the students.
Praise and rejoicing I do publicly- but I need to vent sometimes and she listens and understands, and often offers ideas/suggestions that I have not considered.

I heard that the best counselors go to counselors. To be the best teacher, we need to discuss with other teachers regularly (although a counseling session would be great too!).
It is comforting to know that even at the college level, the concerns for the success of the students is a major factor of teaching.
I can put on the "drill sergeant" persona and behave accordingly, but inside when a students does not do his best, my heart is heavy...

The wind...

Having worked with teenagers for 20 years, I have concluded that on windy days the students are more excitable/anxious.
Perhaps there are more electricity in the air? More pollen? Dust?
Nonetheless, windy days are days for solid lesson plans, alternatives, and maybe some group projects...

I wonder if any one has studied this idea.
Maybe I just need a vacation?
Maybe it is ME that is more susceptible and I pass on MY energy to the students!

Rake Up Boise/Community Service

This last Saturday we participated in Rake Up Boise. This has been a tradition for Sheridan students for 14 years.
We filled 40 bags from one yard!
The students did a great job and I appreciate the adults who helped also.

We will do another community service project in the spring.

Who are your kids?

I am often asked, "What type of students are at Sheridan?" While I would like to say that they are sons/daughters of millionaire bankers, I refrain and describe them as follows:
Students at Sheridan Academy attend because they feel that our mission/purpose/environment are most effective for them. I describe our students as "not getting a meaningful education in a traditional school setting."
Often our students are the ones in the last row of a class of 36 students and they are drawing and not writing the history notes on the whiteboard. For some reason, they are not focused and learning. Maybe there is a mild learning disability present, maybe there are problems at home, maybe the work is not challenging. For whatever reason, they are not receiving a meaningful education. Many of our students come to us with "holes" in their learning. For example, they are in Algebra, but cannot perform simple operations with fractions. We fill these "holes" so that they can continue their knowledge building (scaffolding).
We work on a positive reinforcement system and the schools runs much like a job- if you perform, you get stuff- if you don't you don't...
Students tell me that we are strict. Yet they want to enroll again. Students want boundaries, they want parameters. We set the bar high and they perform- this allows them success at a university and in the workforce.
Who are my kids? They're our pride and joy.

Not a bad day...

Today, after a focused morning of current events, math, and history, we took a brisk walk, wolfed down lunch then went to BSU to see a student display of the Berlin Wall in the quad. We discussed the significance and Alexander (from Germany) translated the graffiti written on the Wall. The students got "some" sense of the impact that the Wall had on Germany, the people of Berlin, communism, and the world.

Then we parked near the capitol and read the names of the fallen soldiers on the flags.

We then went to the second floor courtroom of the Borah Building and sat with representatives from other nonprofits in the Treasure Valley.
The governor entered and read a proclamation recognizing the week of November 8-12 as "Non-Profit Awareness Week for the State of Idaho."
After the formalities, I lined up our students and the Governor posed for a photo with them. He shook each students' hand and encouraged them to continue their education.

THEN! We went to Fancy Freeze for ice cream and sat in the sun enjoying a beautiful Fall day.

Returning to the school, the students cleaned and then played basketball.

It was another awesome day at Sheridan.

"New Math"

As a child of the '70's I was taught the metric system and "new math." As a teacher, I was schooled to teach reading using "sight word" vocabulary (not phonics).
Yuri Gregarin (sp) orbited the earth in 1959. America needed more scientists- by 1969 school children were learning more about science to compete with the Soviets. America also toyed with going metric.
The "feel good" era of the '70's brought "new math" into our schools. Much of this consisted of estimation and proximity- exactness was not emphasized. Not good when balancing your checkbook!
At "teacher school" we were taught sight-word vocabulary. This method instructed the student to recognize a word based on the letter order- not the phonetical qualities.
All three of the above have shaped my knowledge and the skills/knowledge that I teach my students. I shy from fads, focus on the basics and knowns, and seek a common core of knowledge that should be universal.

Berlin Wall

Twenty years ago? Wow- I can remember when the Wall came down. You could buy a peice of the concrete wall (complete with spay paint graffiti) as a souvenir. I thought of purchasing a piece for my dad as it represents much for which he served- a fighter pilot in the Navy trained to deliver ordiance behind the Iron Curtain.

The German Club at Boise State is re-creating a portion of the Wall. Sheridan Academy's German international student participates in the univeristy's German club and he shared with me that the Berlin Wall may not be the best way to remember or recognize Germany...

Tomorrow we go to the State House to witness the Governor of Idaho sign a proclamation designating this week as "Nonprofit Awareness Week." As we are a nonprofit school, we will particpate in this ceremony...